Bachelor of Arts (Major: Photography)

School of Arts & Sciences

Are you interested in learning the craft of photography? The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Bachelor of Arts with a Photography Major integrates theory and practice through an applied study of photography. It will provide the creative and artistic tools necessary for emerging photographers. You will take hands-on production classes that expand your knowledge in a collaborative environment. Our program is structured to guide you from introductory to advanced photography practices. Contact us today to enrol in this exciting degree.

  • Why study this major?

    Photographers play an essential role in capturing the images of our times. The power of an image cannot be underestimated. The Bachelor of Arts with a Photography Major gives you the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to create powerful images now and into the future.

    You will develop your practical skills through hands-on experiences, including working with community groups and other organisations, culminating in a public exhibition of your works.

    Your portfolio of work will cover genres and styles that effectively communicate with people in various contexts. Your portfolio will also be an effective advertisement for your creativity and skills as you begin your chosen career.

    Combining a major in Photography with a second Major or Minor, such as Journalism, Film & Screen Production, Social Justice or Environmental Management, will provide you with a skill set that will open up several employment opportunities.

    Skills such as working to a creative brief, collaboration, critical thinking, objective analysis, constructive feedback, and successful management of workflow and time pressures will also stand you in good stead with employers.

    The Bachelor of Arts majoring in Photography can be studied as part of a double degree. Graduates can later undertake a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

    Photography is available as a Major and Minor in the following programs, including double-degree variations:

  • Program summary

    Incoming students on the Fremantle campus who wish to study photography and screen production will take the new Major, Screen Arts, and/or the new Specialisation, Photomedia, from 2021.

    The Photography Major and Minor will not be available to new students on the Fremantle campus from 2021. Existing Photography students in Fremantle should complete their Major or Minor following course counselling with the School.

    Fremantle students completing a Photography Major must complete the FIVE following courses (or, other courses, as approved by the Dean):

    • COMM1000 Digital Photography
    • COMM2000 Aesthetics and Practice of Photography
    • COMM2001 Studio Photography
    • COMM3001 Community Photography Portfolio
    • COMM3003 Professional Practice and Exhibition

    Plus, any of the following courses, to a total of 200 units of credit:

    • COMM1060 Media and Society*
    • COMM1210 Introduction to Screen Production
    • COMM1420 Introduction to Journalism
    • COMM2300 Digital Media Production
    • COMM2002 Travel Writing and Photography
    • COMM3002 Digital Journalism Portfolio
    • COMM3008 Communications Internship
    • COMM3050 Media Ethics and Law*
    • COMM3070 Photojournalism
    • COMM3210 Interactive Media

    Core Curriculum

    • CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
    • CORE II: Elective
      • Electives in philosophy and\or theology
      • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and\or theology
      • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
      • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
      • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

    * Bachelor of Communications & Media students will complete COMM1060 and COMM3050 as part of their degree requirements and must undertake other electives to complete the Photography Major.


    Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

    More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions page.

    Please note: The availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.

  • Entry requirements

    Entry requirements WA

    Academic requirements for this program are outlined below.  In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency.  We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program.  See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

    Applicants with recent Secondary Education

    • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 70

    OR

    • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25

    *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

    Applicants with Higher Education Study

    • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

    OR

    • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

    *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

    Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

    • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

    Applicants with Work and Life Experience

    Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

    • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.

    OR

    • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section^.

    OR

    • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

    *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

    Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

    Entry requirements NSW

    Academic requirements for this program are outlined below.  In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency.  We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program.  See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

    Applicants with recent Secondary Education

    • Prescribed ATAR/Selection Rank*

    OR

    • International Baccalaureate (IB) score

    *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

    Applicants with Higher Education Study

    • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

    OR

    • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

    *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

    Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

    • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

    Applicants with Work and Life Experience

    Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

    • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.

    OR

    • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 150 in the Multiple Choice section and 150 in the Written English section^.

    OR

    • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

    *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

    Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

  • Learning outcomes

    Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts graduates should be able to;

    1. Demonstrate broad theoretical and practical knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts of one or more disciplines or practice areas
    2. Identify appropriate sources and evaluate information
    3. Demonstrate an awareness of different conceptual approaches and/or research methods
    4. Demonstrate the technical skills, professional skills and ethical practice required by one or more disciplines
    5. Synthesise knowledge and apply skills in order to solve complex problems
    6. Communicate arguments and/or ideas in a range of forms
    7. Work independently and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others
    8. Reflect upon personal knowledge, skills and experiences
  • Career opportunities

    Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors; Many employers will welcome the transferable skills. The following careers are open to graduates of this program: Photographer: (news, sport, travel, fashion, scientific, advertising, portrait),  photojournalist, advertising art director, and multimedia specialist.

  • Real-world experience

    You will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through our practicum placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

  • Honours

    An Honours award is available for this program.  Further information can be found in the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) regulations, or by contacting the School of Arts & Sciences.

  • Study abroad

    A global perspective adds a valuable dimension to your university education. At Notre Dame University you can study while experiencing the world. We encourage students to become active global citizens through a range of exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. Visit International Opportunities to find out more.

  • Fees and costs

    This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:


    CSP
    A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at university where the government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, called the ‘student contribution amount’.

    In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

    • The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.
    • The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan.

    Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.


    HECS-HELP
    The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.


    For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees Page.

  • Student profile data

    Tables 1 and 2 below give an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this Program. It provides data on all students who commenced in this Program in the most relevant recent intake period, including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

    Fremantle Student Profile Data

    TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Arts BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    Applicant background

    Semester 1 2022

    Number of students

    Percentage of all students

    (A) Higher education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    17 37%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study <5 N/P
    (C) Work and life experience
    (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    5 11%
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)
    <5 N/P
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    <5 N/P
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks &   recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    13 28%
    International students <5 N/P
    All students46100.0%

    TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Arts ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offersATAR
    (Excluding adjustment factors) *
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *
    [only if relevant]
    Highest rank to receive an offer 96.85 96.85
    Median rank to receive an offer 74.20 77.20

    Lowest rank to receive an offer

    64.65 70.00

    Sydney Student Profile Data

    TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Arts BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    Applicant background

    Semester 1 2022

    Number of students

    Percentage of all students

    (A) Higher education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    713%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study815%
    (C) Work and life experience
    (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement, not in the other three categories)
    <5NP
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)
    <5N/P
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    1121%
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks &   recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    2242%
    International students<5N/P
    All students52100.0%

    TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Arts ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offersATAR
    (Excluding adjustment factors) *
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *
    [only if relevant]
    Highest rank to receive an offer82.8597.85
    Median rank to receive an offer65.9075.15

    Lowest rank to receive an offer

    55.2069.05

    TABLE 2a – Bachelor of Arts (Honours) BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    Applicant background

    Semester 1 2022

    Number of students

    Percentage of all students

    (A) Higher education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    <5N/P
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks &   recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    <5N/P
    All studentsN/P100.0%

    Notes:  

    “<5” – the number of students is less than 5
    N/A – Students not accepted in this category
    N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent the calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

    In 2022, due to COVID, additional adjustment factor points were granted to applicants from NSW, ACT and VIC.

  • More information

    Considering your uni options?

    Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session. Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process. Book my session.


    For more information, please call our Prospective Students Office on +61 8 9433 0533 or email future@nd.edu.au.


    All international enquiries should contact the International Students Office on international@nd.edu.au.

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